York High School. A Sports College at the Heart of the Community Inspiring People - Achieving Excellence. Curriculum Policy Reviewed June 2014

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1 1. INTRODUCTION The curriculum policy of York High School relates directly to the School's Mission Statement and objectives. The school is committed to the implementation of the National Curriculum but at the same time recognises the need to pursue its own curriculum initiatives. We believe that, given the right curriculum and learning opportunities, every young person can succeed. 2. MAIN PRINCIPLES The students are at the heart of the educational process and will be encouraged to participate fully in the life of the School. All contributions, from all students, will be valued. It is felt that all students regardless of their age, gender, ability and background should experience personal fulfillment through the 'entitlement curriculum'. The curriculum must display breadth, balance, relevance, differentiation, progression and continuity. Curricular continuity and progression are of particular concern; it is essential to recognise that Education is an 'on-going' process and students receive only a section of their education at this School and we are very conscious of the need to build suitable bridges between the primary and secondary to tertiary phases. The curriculum of the school must be continuously evolving, forward looking and under constant review. The school will ensure that its statutory duties regarding the curriculum are carried out. 3. IMPLEMENTATION a) Curriculum Organization At York High School we have a Faculty Structure which includes: Communications (English, MFL, Expressive and Performing Arts) Humanities (Geography, History, RLS) Inclusion Maths and Computing/ICT Science Sport and Health Technology (Art, DT, Food, Textiles) A Lane Page 1 of 5

2 b) Curriculum Structure: Key Stage 3 (KS3) Students in Years Seven, Eight and Nine (Key Stage 3) currently study the following subjects: Core Subjects: Computing/ICT English Mathematics Physical Education Science Foundation Subjects: Performing Arts (Drama, Music) Humanities (Geography, History, and Religious Education) Modern Foreign Languages Technology (Art, DT, Food, Textiles) Personal Development is also studied and includes activities that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and potential, facilitate employability, enhance lifestyle and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations. Additional Learning Support including 1:1 tuition is available for selected students who are withdrawn from lessons. Additional English time is provided for those pupils identified as needing such support. In Year 9 selected pupils may have the opportunity to begin to study for their Cambridge National ICT qualification. c) Curriculum Structure: Key Stage 4 (KS4) Students in Years Ten and Eleven have some degree of choice but all students will study the core subjects: English Computing/ICT Mathematics Science Community and Life (includes Careers Information, Advice & Guidance, Religious and Life studies) Physical Education A Lane Page 2 of 5

3 Students can chose between a range of other subject areas in 4 option blocks: Child Development Performing Arts (Drama and Music) Humanities (Geography, History, RS) ICT (GCSE) PE and Sport (including Outdoor Adventurous Activities (OAA) Technology (Art, Food Technology, Resistant Materials, Textiles, Graphics, Photography) Options are also available for selected students in: TEAL (Preparation for Training, Education and Adult Life) Vocational courses at Danesgate Skills Centre WorkSkills Other external provision (subject to demand) A language is studied by pupils who follow the EBAC Pathway and is an option for other pupils. All pupils following the EBAC Pathway must opt for either Geography or History. e) Curriculum Delivery and Entitlement (Teaching Groups) We believe in the setting of pupils so that they can learn with peers of similar ability to ensure that teaching can be targeted to the needs of the pupil. Many pupils are in different sets for different subjects so they can progress at the right pace for them. From Primary transition we work closely with our pupils who are identified as Gifted or Talented, providing an extensive range of academic and extra curricular opportunities as they move through secondary school. We work closely with the York s Independent State School Partnership, which strives to give pupils new experiences and build relationships with likeminded young people from across the city. This year, YHS pupils are enrolled in Latin and Russian courses, will attend a variety of Masterclasses and are offered places at a number of conferences throughout the coming terms. In addition to other visits, our visit from Wateringse Veld School in Holland allows our pupils to understand the Bilingual Dutch education system. Through our Green Apples programme, identified pupils are engaging with Further and Higher education from a young age, giving them a clear understanding of the steps they must take to fulfil their aspirations. A Lane Page 3 of 5

4 There is a Progress Group in KS3 for which students are selected based on academic need, whilst considering social and emotional needs too. Students within the Progress group are taught as one group for much of their curriculum time. However we feel it is important that this group also mixes with other pupils in the year to extend their experience of mainstream schooling and the curriculum is written in a manner that ensures this occurs. For other pupils with special needs there are a range of interventions including additional support through specialist teaching and the support of Teaching Assistants. Year 7 students are set by ability across the year group using KS2 data provided by their primary schools. Subject assessments throughout the year can result in movement between groups as appropriate. In Years 8 & 9, students continue to be taught in set ability groups in all subjects. In Years 10 and 11 some subjects are taught in all-ability groups (eg non-ebac option subjects) but arrangements are also made to teach students in 'sets' within all the core subjects. The curriculum at Key Stage 4 is broad enough to provide appropriate and challenging provision for all. For pupils who are gifted and talented there are additional opportunities both within and beyond the curriculum. To translate the mission statement into practice, particular attention is paid to the way in which students learn. We believe it is the process of education which is important and therefore we are working towards an environment in which students are actively involved in the learning process and not 'passive recipients of information'. We are involved in a unique partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) which involves all pupils and many staff across the school, as well as our local primary schools, in a wide range of opportunities involving performing arts and English. Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) forms part of the curriculum and is delivered through Personal Development and subject contributions. Students should be encouraged to participate fully in all activities. Work missed through absence should be made up as soon as possible. A Lane Page 4 of 5

5 4. EXTENDED CURRICULUM York High School is committed to offering a wide programme of enrichment wherever and whenever practicable considering the restraints of staff, cost and time. There is an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities available for all our students throughout the school, be it during the school day, in twilight sessions, evenings, weekends and during holiday periods. These opportunities aim to extend the curriculum offer to pupils beyond that offered in timetabled sessions: allow practices for College teams/auditions/performances etc. and to allow students of different ages and abilities to interact. The Learning Resource Centre encourages access to books and the internet as sources of information to broaden the knowledge of learners. This is further supplemented by the availability of the I.C.T. at lunchtimes and after the end of the school day. A new after-school computing course will be available in to pupils who have been Digital Leaders and/or are AG&T in this field. These sessions are in addition to the full range of opportunities offered in the Sports and Arts. There is a planned programme of curriculum days throughout the year (see Upcoming Events in News and Events on the Website) offering focused, but extended, opportunities to students such as the cross-curricular days for KS3 pupils and the SEAL day for Y7 pupils. Our extended curriculum offers many performing arts shows and events throughout the year and a whole range of sports teams and individual events. The list of our wide range of After School Clubs and Activities is available to view on our Website. Date of Adoption by Governing Body: Chair of Governors Signature: Date to be Reviewed: June 2015 A Lane Page 5 of 5